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Address: 1000 Jefferson Drive SW, Washington DC, DC20013-7012

Phone Number: 202 633 1000

Website

Today

8:30 am - 5:30 pm

Open now

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Hours:

Sun - Sat
8:30 am - 5:30 pm

Recommended length of visit: 1-2 hours

Fee: No

Activities: City walk sightseeing

Description: The world's largest museum and research complex is actually comprised of...

The world's largest museum and research complex is actually comprised of 19 museums and the National Zoo, with subjects that vary from African Art to the postal service, sculpture to space exploration.

The building that originally housed the Smithsonian Institute has evolved into a welcome and information center, but I enjoyed seeing the old structure and the large crypt beside the entryway that holds the remains of Mr. Smithson - the man who founded the institute.

I managed to accidentally find the best time to visit. The week before inauguration the town is almost deserted, and you get the whole Smithsonian pretty much to yourself. It's a whole different experience than being caught up in the crowd.
(The dumb "when did you visit" drop down won't let you go back far enough)

Very cool architecture on this building but there isn't much to see. There's a gift shop that has pretty much has everything else that the other Smithsonian's have and there isn't much as far as exhibits go. But great if you need some information about the Smithsonian's!

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